Ontake Mountains hiking & climbing route

Route Guide

Use the ropeway to gain 570 m in elevation from Shikanose station at an elevation of 1,580 m. From the ropeway, the ridgeline of Ontake mountains can be seen high in the sky. The view of the mountains in Kiso and Shinano is phenomenal. Start hiking from Iimori Kogen station. In about 10 minutes, another trail merges from your left. This trail originates from Nakanoyu. Shortly Nana-goume-gyoba-sanso Mountain hut is reached. The trail becomes an uphill from this point. Cross the bride and enter a coniferous forest. The trail from Hyakugen Fall merges from the left. Cross a few small valleys and proceed through a Pinus Pumila zone. When the view becomes wider, Nyonin-do at Hachi-goume is reached. This area is close to the tree line. The dynamic ridgeline from Marishiten to Kenga-mine can be seen. Nowadays, many hikers choose to hike this route. From here, proceed on the left trail on the ridgeline and continue hiking through Rowan trees and Pinus Pumila while watching Kongo-doushi.

After passing a plateau called Kuroiwa, the trail becomes a steep slope. Remain calm while ascending. After passing Ishimuro-sanso Mountain hut, you will reach Kakumei-do. Take the rocky ridgeline on the left and pass Ninoike junction. Go straight on the ridgeline. Pass Fukusen-bosatsu and walk by the shelter. Kenga-mine is reached at the end of 82 stone stairs. Ontake shrine stands at Kenga-mine. The view from the summit is phenomenal. The pyramidal shape of the mountain that you can see is Mt. Kasa-gatake. Mt. Tate-yama can be spotted behind of Mt. Kasa-gatake. The spiky shape mountain is Mt. Yari-gatake. Tsuri-o’ne, a hanging ridgeline between Mt. Oku-hotaka-dake and Mt. Mae-hotaka-dake can be seen. Mt. Asama-yama can be spotted in the distance as well. The summit is not too comfortable for staying but enjoy the fantastic view as much as possible. Descend the same trail used for ascending